Washing Machine Appliance with on Demand Fluids

ABSTRACT

A washing machine appliance includes a supply conduit having an exit positioned for directing water into a basket of the washing machine appliance. A door is positioned over the basket in a closed position. A water valve is coupled to the supply conduit. A controller opens the water valve in response to actuation of a water supply input and a signal from a sensor that the door is in the open position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machineappliances, such as vertical axis washing machine appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing wateror wash liquid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other washadditives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines awash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normaloperation of such washing machine appliances, the wash liquid isdirected into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of thebasket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speedsto agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid fromarticles within the wash chamber, etc.

During operation of certain washing machine appliances, a volume of washliquid is directed into the tub in order to wash and/or rinse articleswithin the wash chamber. One or more fluid additives may be added to thewash liquid to enhance the cleaning or other properties of the washliquid. The fluid additives may be in powder or concentrated liquidform, and are generally added to a dispenser box of the washing machineappliance by, e.g., a user of the washing machine appliance. Thedispenser box may contain various chambers for containing differentadditives, e.g., wash detergent and softener. Water may be directed intothe chambers of the dispenser box through a plurality of water inletvalves to mix with the additives and the resulting wash liquid is thendispensed into the wash chamber.

The volume of water or wash liquid needed may vary depending upon avariety of factors. For example, large loads can require a large volumeof water relative to small loads that can require a small volume ofwater. A user may wish to have additional wash liquid dispensed in orderto perform a specific task, e.g., prewash an article of clothing or addadditional liquid to accommodate an extra-large load. The ability toadjust the amount of water or wash liquid dispensed is a generallycommercially desirable feature and increases the user's positiveperception of the wash process generally. However, conventional washingmachine appliances typically do not have water-on-demand features, andthose that do require additional nozzles, hoses, clamps, and otherhardware to perform such a function.

Accordingly, a washing machine appliance that provides a user with morecontrol over the water or wash liquid fill amount is desirable. Inparticular, a dispenser box having a simple, convenient, integratedsystem for dispensing an additional predetermined amount of wash liquidwould be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a washing machine appliance with asupply conduit having an exit positioned for directing water into abasket. A door is positioned over the basket in a closed position. Awater valve is coupled to the supply conduit. A controller opens thewater valve in response to actuation of a water supply input and asignal from a sensor that the door is in the open position. Additionalaspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thefollowing description, or may be apparent from the description, or maybe learned through practice of the invention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance isprovided. The washing machine appliance includes a tub. A basket isdisposed within the tub so that the basket is rotatable within the tub.A door is adjustable between an open position and a closed position. Thedoor is positioned over the basket in the closed position. A supplyconduit has an exit positioned for directing water into the basket. Awater valve is coupled to the supply conduit. The water valve isactuatable to regulate a flow of water through the supply line into thebasket. A control panel is positioned above the tub. The control panelincludes a plurality of user inputs including a water supply input. Acontroller is in operative communication with the water valve and theplurality of user inputs. The controller opens the water valve inresponse to actuation of the water supply input and a signal from asensor that the door is in the open position.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a vertical axis washing machineappliance includes a cabinet having a top panel. A tub is disposedwithin the cabinet below the top panel. A basket is rotatable about asubstantially vertical axis within the tub. A door is mounted to thecabinet at the top panel such that the door is adjustable between anopen position and a closed position. The door is positioned over thebasket in the closed position. A supply conduit has an exit positionedover the basket. A water valve is coupled to the supply conduit. Thewater valve is actuatable to regulate a flow of water through the supplyline into the basket. A control panel is mounted to the top panel of thecabinet. The control panel includes a plurality of user inputs includinga water supply input. A controller is in operative communication withthe water valve and the plurality of user inputs. The controller opensthe water valve in response to actuation of the water supply input and asignal from a sensor that the door is in the open position. Thecontroller closes the water valve in response to a signal from thesensor that the door is in the closed position or after a predeterminedamount of time.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine applianceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter witha door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in a closedposition.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machineappliance of FIG. 1 with the door shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a front, perspective view of an exemplary dispenser boxassembly installed in the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 provides a front, perspective view of the exemplary dispenser boxassembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 provides a rear, perspective view of the exemplary dispenser boxassembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 provides a schematic view of certain components of the exemplarywashing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a reservoir of the exemplarywashing machine appliance of FIG. 1 fluidly coupled to the exemplarydispenser box assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 provides a schematic view of certain components of the exemplarywashing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 provides a front view of a rotatable knob of the exemplarywashing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axiswashing machine appliance 100. In FIG. 1, a lid or door 130 is shown ina closed position. In FIG. 2, door 130 is shown in an open position.Washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V,a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, which are mutuallyperpendicular with one another, such that an orthogonal coordinatesystem is generally defined.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axiswashing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein itwill be understood that vertical axis washing machine appliance 100 isprovided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances havingdifferent configurations, different appearances, and/or differentfeatures may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well,e.g., horizontal axis washing machines.

Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 that extends between atop portion 103 and a bottom portion 104 along the vertical direction V.A wash tub 118 (FIG. 6) is disposed within cabinet 102, and a washbasket 120 is rotatably mounted within tub 118. A motor (not shown) isin mechanical communication with wash basket 120 to selectively rotatewash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washingmachine appliance 100). Wash basket 120 defines a wash chamber 121 thatis configured for receipt of articles for washing. Tub 118 holds washand rinse fluids for agitation in wash basket 120 within tub 118. Anagitator or impeller (not shown) extends into wash basket 120 and isalso in mechanical communication with the motor. The impeller assistsagitation of articles disposed within wash basket 120 during operationof washing machine appliance 100.

Cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top panel 140, e.g.,at top portion 103 of cabinet 102. Top panel 140 defines an aperture 105that permits user access to wash basket 120 of tub 118. Door 130,rotatably mounted to top panel 140, permits selective access to aperture105; in particular, door 130 selectively rotates between the closedposition shown in FIG. 1 and the open position shown in FIG. 2. In theclosed position, door 130 inhibits access to wash basket 120.Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash basket 120. Awindow 136 in door 130 permits viewing of wash basket 120 when door 130is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machineappliance 100. Door 130 also includes a handle 132 that, e.g., a usermay pull and/or lift when opening and closing door 130. Further,although door 130 is illustrated as mounted to top panel 140,alternatively, door 130 may be mounted to cabinet 102 or any othersuitable support.

Top panel 140 also defines a hole or opening 142, e.g., at a corner oftop panel 140 at or adjacent a front portion 122 of top panel 140 asshown in FIG. 2. Opening 142 is configured for receipt of one of aplurality of fluid additives, e.g., detergent, fabric softener, and/orbleach. Opening 142 permits the fluid additive to pass through top panel140 to a reservoir 260 (FIG. 6) disposed below top panel 140 along thevertical direction V. Thus, a user may pour the fluid additive intoreservoir 260 through opening 142 in top panel 140. Reservoir 260 isdescribed in greater detail below.

A control panel 110 with at least one input selector 112 extends fromtop panel 140, e.g., at a rear portion 124 of cabinet 102 oppositeopening 142 about aperture 105 along the transverse direction T. Controlpanel 110 and input selector 112 collectively form a user interfaceinput for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display114 of control panel 110 indicates selected features, operation mode, acountdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance usersregarding operation.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controlleror processing device 108 that is operatively coupled to control panel110 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features.In response to user manipulation of control panel 110, controller 108operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 toexecute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 108 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as ageneral or special purpose microprocessor operable to executeprogramming instructions or micro-control code associated with acleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such asDRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, theprocessor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memorymay be a separate component from the processor or may be includedonboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 100 may beconstructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination ofdiscrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches,amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and thelike) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.Control panel 110 and other components of washing machine appliance 100may be in communication with controller 108 via one or more signal linesor shared communication busses.

During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items areloaded into wash basket 120 through aperture 105, and washing operationis initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 112. Tub118 is filled with water and detergent and/or other fluid additives viadispenser box assembly 200, which will be described in detail below. Oneor more valves can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 toprovide for filling wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for theamount of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for awash mode, once wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, thecontents of wash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with an impeller asdiscussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 120.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket120 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again addingfluid to wash basket 120 depending on the specifics of the cleaningcycle selected by a user. The impeller may again provide agitationwithin wash basket 120. One or more spin cycles also may be used. Inparticular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/orafter the rinse cycle to wring wash fluid from the articles beingwashed. During a spin cycle, wash basket 120 is rotated at relativelyhigh speeds. After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleanedand/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 120,e.g., by reaching into wash basket 120 through aperture 105.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 2 through 5, dispenser box assembly 200will be described in more detail. Although described in greater detailbelow in the context of washing machine appliance 100, it will beunderstood that dispenser box assembly 200 may be used in or with anyother suitable washing machine appliance, in alternative exemplaryembodiments. In addition, other configurations of dispenser box assembly200 may be provided as well. For example, dispenser box assembly 200 maybe positioned on a front of cabinet 102, may have a different shape orchamber configuration, and may dispense water, detergent, or otheradditives. Other variations and modifications of the exemplaryembodiment described below are possible, and such variations arecontemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

Dispenser box assembly 200 is a box having a substantially rectangularcross-section that defines a top 202 and a bottom 204, e.g., spacedapart along the vertical direction V. Dispenser box assembly 200 alsodefines a front side 206 and a back side 208, e.g., spaced apart alongthe transverse direction T. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, dispenserbox assembly 200 may be mounted underneath top panel 140 of cabinet 102,e.g., at rear portion 124 of cabinet 102, such that front side 206 isvisible inside aperture 105. More specifically, dispenser box assembly200 may be mounted to top panel 140 using a plurality of mountingfeatures 210, which may, for example, be configured to receivemechanical fasteners. One skilled in the art will appreciate thatdispenser box assembly 200 may be mounted in other locations and useother mounting mechanisms in alternative exemplary embodiments.

Dispenser box assembly 200 may define a mixing chamber 220 configured toreceive one or more additive compartments. For example, according to theillustrated embodiment, mixing chamber 220 may be configured to slidablyreceive a detergent compartment 222 and a softener compartment 224.Detergent and softener compartments 222, 224 are slidably connected tothe mixing chamber 220 using slides 226 and are connected to a frontpanel 228 of dispenser box assembly. In this manner, a user may pull onfront panel 228 to slide detergent and softener compartments 222, 224along the transverse direction T. Once extended, detergent compartment222 and softener compartment 224 may be conveniently filled withdetergent and softener, respectively. Front panel 228 may be then bepushed back into mixing chamber 220, e.g., before a wash cycle begins.

Although the illustrated embodiment shows detergent compartment 222 andsoftener compartment 224 slidably received in mixing chamber 220 forreceiving wash additives, one skilled in the art will appreciate thatdifferent configurations are possible in alternative exemplaryembodiments. For example, more compartments may be used and thecompartments may be accessed by a lid instead of sliding out of mixingchamber 220. In addition, as discussed in greater detail below, mixingchamber 220 may draw wash additives from a separate storage containersuch that sliding compartments 222, 224 may be removed from mixingchamber 220.

Dispenser box assembly 200 may further include a plurality of valvesconfigured to supply hot and cold water to mixing chamber 220 ordirectly to tub 118. For example, according to the illustratedembodiment, a plurality of apertures may be defined on top 202 of mixingchamber 220 for receiving water. Each aperture (not shown) may be influid communication with a different portion of the mixing chamber. Aplurality of valve seats may be positioned over top of each of thoseapertures to receive a valve that controls the flow of water througheach aperture.

For example, a first valve seat 234 may be in fluid communication with afirst aperture for providing hot water into detergent compartment 222. Asecond valve seat 236 may be in fluid communication with a secondaperture for providing cold water into detergent compartment 222. Athird valve seat 238 may be in fluid communication with a third aperturefor providing cold water into softener compartment 224. A fourth valveseat 240 may be in fluid communication with a fourth aperture forproviding cold water into mixing chamber 220 or directly into tub 118.

Water inlets may be placed in fluid communication with each of valveseats 234, 236, 238, 240. More specifically, a hot water inlet 244 maybe connected to a hot water supply line (not shown) and a cold waterinlet 246 may be connected to a cold water supply line (not shown).According to the illustrated embodiment, each water inlet 244, 246 mayinclude a threaded male adapter configured for receiving a threadedfemale adapter from a conventional water supply line. However, any othersuitable manner of fluidly connecting a water supply line and waterinlets 244, 246 may be used. For example, each water supply line andwater inlets 244, 246 may have copper fittings that may be sweatedtogether to create a permanent connection.

Notably, hot water inlet 244 is in direct fluid communication with firstvalve seat 234. However, because washing machine appliance 100 uses coldwater for multiple purposes, cold water inlet 246 is in fluidcommunication with a cold water manifold 248. As best shown in FIG. 5,cold water manifold 248 is a cylindrical pipe that extends along thelateral direction from second valve seat 236 to fourth valve seat 240.In this manner, cold water manifold 248 places valve seats 236, 238, 240in fluid communication with cold water inlet 246.

Each of valve seats 234, 236, 238, 240 may be configured to receive awater valve 252 for controlling the flow of water through acorresponding aperture into mixing chamber 220. Water valve 252 may be,for example, a solenoid valve that is electrically connected tocontroller 108. However, any other suitable water valve may be used tocontrol the flow of water. Controller 108 may selectively open and closewater valves 252 to allow water to flow from hot water inlet 244 throughfirst valve seat 234 and from cold water manifold 248 through one ormore of second valve seat 236, third valve seat 238, and fourth valveseat 240.

Dispenser box assembly 200 may also include one or more outlets (notshown) for directing wash fluid, such as water and/or a mixture of waterand at least one fluid additive, e.g., detergent, fabric softener,and/or bleach into tub 118 from dispenser box assembly 200. For example,when second valve seat 236 is open, water may flow from cold water inlet246 through cold water manifold 248 and second valve seat 236 intodetergent compartment 222. Water may mix with detergent placed indetergent compartment 222 to create wash liquid to be dispensed into tub118.

An outlet (not shown) may be positioned on the bottom of detergentcompartment 222 or on the bottom of mixing chamber 220 to dispense thewash fluid into tub 118. According to the illustrated embodiment,dispenser box assembly 200 may include four outlets; each associatedwith a respective one of valves seats 234, 236, 238, 240. However, itwill be understood that different outlet configurations may be used inalternative exemplary embodiments. For example, outlets may bepositioned on a bottom of mixing chamber 220 near tub 118 or directly ontub 118, but could be positioned in other locations as well.

FIG. 6 provides a schematic view of certain components of washingmachine appliance 100. FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a reservoir260 of washing machine appliance 100 fluidly coupled to dispenser boxassembly 200. Although described in greater detail below in the contextof washing machine appliance 100 and dispenser box assembly 200, it willbe understood that reservoir 260 may be used in or with any othersuitable washing machine appliance and/or without dispenser box assembly200, in alternative exemplary embodiments. In addition, otherconfigurations of reservoir 260 may be provided as well. For example,reservoir 260 may be positioned on a front of cabinet 102, may have adifferent shape or chamber configuration. Other variations andmodifications of the exemplary embodiment described below are possible,and such variations are contemplated as within the scope of the presentsubject matter.

Reservoir 260 may be filled with detergent, and washing machineappliance 100 includes features for drawing detergent within reservoir260 to dispenser box assembly 200. Within dispenser box assembly 200,the detergent from reservoir 260 is mixed with water and directed intotub 118 of washing machine appliance 100. Thus, reservoir 260 maycontain a bulk volume of detergent (e.g., or other suitable fluidadditive) such that reservoir 260 is sized for holding a volume ofdetergent sufficient for a plurality of wash cycles of washing machineappliance 100, such as no less than twenty wash cycles, no less thanfifty wash cycles, etc. As a particular example, an internal volume 261of reservoir 260 is configured for containing detergent therein, and theinternal volume 261 of reservoir 260 may be no less than twenty fluidounces, no less than three-quarters of a gallon or about one gallon. Asused herein the term “about” means within half a gallon of the statedvolume when used in the context of volumes. Thus, a user can avoidfilling dispenser box assembly 200 with detergent before each operationof washing machine appliance by filling reservoir 260 with detergent.

As discussed above, reservoir 260 is positioned below top panel 140(FIG. 2). In particular, an inlet 267 of reservoir 260 may be positionedat (e.g., directly below) opening 142 of top panel 140. Thus, a user maypour detergent into reservoir 260 via opening 142 of top panel 140 inorder to load or fill reservoir 260 with detergent.

Reservoir 260 includes a planar sidewall 262, an arcuate sidewall 264, atop wall 266 and a bottom wall 268. Planar sidewall 262 and arcuatesidewall 264 or reservoir 260 are spaced apart from each other, e.g.,along the lateral direction L. Top wall 266 and a bottom wall 268 ofreservoir 260 are also spaced apart from each other, e.g., along thevertical direction V. Planar sidewall 262 and arcuate sidewall 264 ofreservoir 260 may extend along the vertical direction V between top wall266 and a bottom wall 268 of reservoir 260 in order to connect top wall266 of reservoir 260 to bottom wall 268 of reservoir 260. Reservoir 260may also include end walls (not labeled) that are spaced apart from eachother, e.g., along the transverse direction T, and that extend along thevertical direction V between top wall 266 and bottom wall 268 ofreservoir 260 in order to connect top wall 266 of reservoir 260 tobottom wall 268 of reservoir 260. Reservoir 260 may be formed from anysuitable material, such as molded plastic.

Reservoir 260 has a height H along the vertical direction V. The heightH of reservoir 260 may be defined between top wall 266 and bottom wall268 of reservoir 260. Reservoir 260 also has a width W along the lateraldirection L. The width W of reservoir 260 may be defined between planarsidewall 262 and arcuate sidewall 264 of reservoir 260 (e.g., at theportion of reservoir 260 where planar sidewall 262 and arcuate sidewall264 of reservoir 260 are most spaced apart from each other along thelateral direction L). Reservoir 260 further has a breadth B along thetransverse direction T. The breadth B of reservoir 260 may be definedbetween the opposing end walls of reservoir 260.

Reservoir 260 may be sized such that reservoir 260 is shorter along thevertical direction V than along the transverse direction T and/or thelateral direction L. For example, the height H of reservoir 260 may beno greater than six inches or no greater than four inches. As anotherexample, the height H of reservoir 260 may be about four inches. As usedherein, the term “about” means within half an inch of the stated heightwhen used in the context of heights. Thus, reservoir 260 may have asmall profile along the vertical direction V under top panel 140.

In contrast to the low vertical profile of reservoir 260, the width Wand/or breadth B of reservoir 260 may be larger than the height H ofreservoir 260. For example, the width W of reservoir 260 may be lessthan twelve inches and greater than six inches or less than ten inchesand greater than seven inches. As another example, the width W ofreservoir 260 may be about eight inches. As used herein, the term“about” means within an inch of the stated width when used in thecontext of widths. With respect to the breadth B of reservoir 260, as anexample, the breadth B of reservoir 260 may be less than twenty-eightinches and greater than sixteen inches or less than twenty-four inchesand greater than eighteen inches. As another example, the breadth B ofreservoir 260 may be about twenty-four inches. As used herein, the term“about” means within three inches of the stated breadth when used in thecontext of breadths. Thus, reservoir 260 may have a small profile alongthe vertical direction V under top panel 140 while still being sized tocontain a significant volume of detergent, e.g., no less thanthree-quarters of a gallon of detergent.

Washing machine appliance 100 includes various features for drawingdetergent from reservoir 260 and directing the detergent into tub 118.For example, washing machine appliance 100 includes a Venturi pump 270and a supply conduit 280. Supply conduit 280 extends between reservoir260 and Venturi pump 270, and Venturi pump 270 draws detergent fromreservoir 260 when a valve associated with Venturi pump 270 is open andwater flows through Venturi pump 270. As an example, Venturi pump 270may be configured to receive a flow of water F when one valve seatposition of water valve 252 is opened (e.g., the water valve 252 onsecond valve seat 236). Thus, when one valve seat position of watervalve 252 is open, the flow of water F may pass through Venturi pump270.

As may be seen in FIG. 6, Venturi pump 270 may be disposed on or formedwith dispenser box assembly 200. In alternative exemplary embodiments,Venturi pump 270 may be disposed on or formed with any other suitablecomponent of washing machine appliance 100. Venturi pump 270 includes aconverging section 272 and a diverging section 274. Converging section272 of Venturi pump 270 is disposed upstream of diverging section 274 ofVenturi pump 270 relative to the flow of water F through Venturi pump270. As the flow of water F enters converging section 272 of Venturipump 270, the flow of water F may increase in velocity and decrease inpressure. Conversely, as the flow of water passes from convergingsection 272 of Venturi pump 270 into diverging section 274 of Venturipump 270, the flow of water F may increase in pressure and decrease invelocity.

Supply conduit 280 extends between an inlet 282 and an outlet 284, e.g.,along the lateral direction L. Inlet 282 of supply conduit 280 isdisposed within reservoir 260, e.g., at or adjacent bottom wall 268 ofreservoir 260. Outlet 284 of supply conduit 280 is disposed at Venturipump 270. A flow of detergent D may enter supply conduit 280 at inlet282 of supply conduit 280, flow through supply conduit 280 to Venturipump 270 and enter Venturi pump 270 via outlet 284 of supply conduit280.

The change in pressure for the flow of water F through Venturi pump 270may assist with drawing detergent from reservoir 260. For example,internal volume 161 of reservoir 260 may be exposed to or contiguouswith ambient air about washing machine appliance 100 (e.g., via inlet267 of reservoir 260), and outlet 284 of supply conduit 280 may bepositioned on Venturi pump 270 (e.g., converging section 272 of Venturipump 270 or diverging section 274 of Venturi pump 270) such that apressure of fluid at outlet 284 of supply conduit 280 is less than thepressure of detergent within reservoir 260 at inlet 282 of supplyconduit 280. Thus, Venturi pump 270 may pump the flow of detergent Dfrom reservoir 260 to Venturi pump 270 via supply conduit 280 when theflow of water F passes through Venturi pump 270. Within Venturi pump270, the flow of water F and the flow of detergent D mix and a mixtureof water and detergent M exits Venturi pump 270 and flows into tub 118.In such a manner, detergent from reservoir 260 may be dispensed in totub 118.

The shape, construction and location of reservoir 260 can assist withproviding a very cost-effective bulk dispense system that deliversaccurate fluid additive dosing, e.g., without the use of a costlypressure sensor. When Venturi pump 270 is actuated for a predeterminedamount of time, the amount of fluid additive dispensed from reservoir260 to Venturi pump 270 is essentially constant, e.g., because thepriming time of Venturi pump 270 is also essentially constant, within asmall but acceptable error, whatever the fill level of fluid additivewithin reservoir 260. For example, the priming time of Venturi pump 270when reservoir 260 is full will be about equal to the priming time ofVenturi pump 270 when reservoir 260 is almost empty due to the lowvertical profile of reservoir 260. In particular, the level of fluidadditive within reservoir 260 can vary by less than six inches betweenfull and empty such that the priming time of Venturi pump 270 is similarin both circumstances.

As may be seen in FIG. 7, a middle portion 286 of supply conduit 280between inlet and outlet 282, 284 of supply conduit 280 may bepositioned above inlet and outlet 282, 284 of supply conduit 280 alongthe vertical direction V. In addition, top wall 266 of reservoir 260 mayface and be positioned at top panel 140. Thus, supply conduit 280 mayextend through top panel 140 such that middle portion 286 of supplyconduit 280 between reservoir 260 and Venturi pump 270 is positionedabove top panel 140 along the vertical direction V. In particular,middle portion 286 of supply conduit 280 may be positioned above toppanel 140 along the vertical direction V and be disposed within controlpanel 110. In such a manner, supply conduit 280 may extend betweenreservoir 260 and Venturi pump 270.

In some situations, a user may wish to add additional water to wash tub121. For example, a user may wish to prewash one or more articles ofclothing or may perceive that more water is needed to effectively wash aload. Accordingly, dispenser box assembly 200 may include a system forallowing a user to add water to wash tub 121 on demand, i.e., awater-on-demand feature. Such features are discussed in greater detailbelow in the context of FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 provides a schematic view of certain components of washingmachine appliance 100. As may be seen in FIGS. 2 and 8, washing machineappliance 100 includes a sensor 250 that is positioned proximate door130. Sensor 250 is configured for detecting when door 130 is in the openposition and is in communication with controller 108. Thus, sensor 250may signal controller 108 when door 130 is in the open position. Sensor250 may be any suitable type of sensor for detecting when door 130 is inthe open position. As an example, sensor 250 may be a plunger switchthat is actuated when door 130 shifts from the closed position to theopen position. As another example, sensor 250 may be a reed switch orHall Effect sensor that is actuated, e.g., by a magnet on door 130, whendoor 130 shifts from the closed position to the open position. As anadditional example, sensor 250 may be a pressure sensor or an opticalsensor that is actuated when door 130 shifts from the closed position tothe open position. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatother types of sensors may be used as sensor 250 to detect when door 130is in the open position.

FIG. 9 provides a front view of a rotatable knob 113 of washing machineappliance of FIG. 1. Knob 113 is part of input selectors 112 on controlpanel 110. A user may rotate knob to any of the lines illustrated inFIG. 9 to input a control command associated with each line tocontroller 108. As an example, the user may initiate a normal wash cycleby rotating knob 113 to the top line labeled “normal” in FIG. 9. Knob113 may be rotated to any of the other lines to initiate the cyclelabeled with each line, as will be understood by those skilled in theart. It should be understood that knob 113 may include alternativeinputs (e.g., positions), more inputs or less inputs in alternativeexemplary embodiments. Thus, knob 113 is provided by way of example onlyand is not intended to limit the present subject matter to anyparticular number or type of inputs.

As may be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, washing machine appliance 100 includesone or more user inputs that are configured to control one or more ofvalves 252. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9,knob 113 includes a cold water input 254, a hot water input 256 and awater-detergent mixture input (or fluid additive-water mixture input)258 for controlling valves 252 on first valve seat 234, fourth valveseat 240 and second valve seat 236, respectively. However, one skilledin the art will appreciate that additional inputs may be included andthe inputs may control different valves 252 or any combination of valves252. In addition, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any ofthese inputs can be turned on/off independently or together in anycombination.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, cold water input 254, hot waterinput 256 and water-detergent mixture input 258 (hereinafter alsoreferred to as “inputs 254, 256, 258”) may be any suitable button orswitch, suitable for providing an indication to controller 108 that aparticular action should be initiated. For example, inputs 254, 256, 258may be push button switches, toggle switches, rocker switches, or anyother suitable tactile switch, such as capacitive touch buttons.

Cold water input 254, hot water input 256 and water-detergent mixtureinput 258 are located on control panel 110. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,door 130 is disposed over control panel 110 in the open position. Thus,when door 130 is in the open position, user access to control panel 110from front portion 122 of top panel 140 may be blocked by door 130 dueto door 130 being positioned between the user and control panel 110,e.g., along the transverse direction T. Washing machine appliance 100includes water-on-demand features that allow dispensing of water to washtub 121 despite door 130 blocking control panel 110 and input selectors112 thereon in the open position.

Inputs 254, 256, 258 may be used by a user to deliver an additionalamount of water to wash tub 121 on demand, e.g., during or prior to anycycle, when sensor 250 detects that door 130 is in the open position.The additional amount of water may be a specific volume of water orvalves 252 may simply be opened for a specific amount of time. Forexample, according to an exemplary embodiment, in response to a userrotating knob 113 to hot water input 256 and then opening door 130,controller 108 opens valve 252 seated on first valve seat 234 anddelivers hot water to detergent compartment 222 or mixing chamber 220for twenty seconds. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate thatwater may be delivered for other time durations as controlled by theuser, e.g., via settings on controller 108, or as set by themanufacturer. Indeed, these values may be set by the manufacturer,determined by controller 108 based on the operating parameters selected,selected by the consumer, or set in any other suitable manner.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the amount of water added towash tub 121 upon rotating knob 113 to one of inputs 254, 256, 258 andopening door 130 may vary depending on the application or wash cycle.Similarly, the amount of water delivered may be preset (as describedabove) such that rotating knob 113 to one of inputs 254, 256, 258 andthen opening door 130 delivers the predetermined amount of water.Alternatively, valves 252 may be configured to remain open at all timeswhen knob 113 is rotated to one of inputs 254, 256, 258 and door 130 isopen. In this manner, a user may precisely control the amount of wateradded to wash tub 121. In order to ensure that wash tub 121 is neveroverfilled, a maximum water level sensor may be included in the wash tub121. When water reaches the maximum level, controller 108 mayautomatically close all valves 252 or perform a drain cycle to preventwater from spilling out of wash tub 121.

To operate Venturi pump 270 and dispense the mixture of water anddetergent M, a user may rotate knob 113 to water-detergent mixture input258. In response to rotation of knob 113 to water-detergent mixtureinput 258 and opening door 130, controller 108 opens one of valves 252,e.g., valve 252 on second valve seat 236, such that the flow of water Fenters Venturi pump 270 and draws the flow of detergent D from reservoir260. Thus, to selectively dispense the mixture of water and detergent M,a user may rotate knob 113 to water-detergent mixture input 258 and thenopen door 130. In such a manner, the user may dispense the mixture ofwater and detergent M on demand.

As discussed above, controller 108 receives a signal from sensor 250when door 130 is in the open position and then opens one of valves 252to dispense wash fluid. By requiring that door 130 be in the openposition before dispensing wash fluid, the user may easily access knob113 to select one of inputs 254, 256, 258 without door 130 blockingaccess to control panel 110. After selecting one of inputs 254, 256, 258on control panel 110, the user opens door 130, and sensor 250 istriggered and signals controller 108 that door 130 is open. Controller130 the opens the respective one of valves 252 associated with theselected one of inputs 254, 256, 258. By requiring door 130 to be openprior to opening valve 252, the user may easily utilize or view thesteam of fluid entering basket 120, e.g., without having to race to opendoor 130.

Notably, inputs 254, 256, 258 may control valves 252 that are alreadyincluded on washing machine appliance 100. This obviates the need foradditional hardware required for an independent water delivery system,e.g., nozzles, high voltage circuits, mounting hardware, etc. As aresult, the water-on-demand feature provides an inexpensive, reliable,simple, and intuitive system to deliver additional water to wash tub 121when the user desires. Similarly, because valves 252 and water deliverysystem may be integrated into an existing control panel 110, washingmachine appliance 100 may have a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.In addition, locating inputs 254, 256, 258 on control panel 110 mayposition inputs 254, 256, 258 away from moisture within wash tub 121.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

1. A washing machine appliance, comprising: a tub; a basket disposedwithin the tub so that the basket is rotatable within the tub; a dooradjustable between an open position and a closed position, the doorpositioned over the basket in the closed position; a supply conduithaving an exit positioned far directing water into the basket; a watervalve coupled to the supply conduit, the water valve actuatable toregulate a flow of water through the supply conduit into the basket; acontrol panel positioned above the tub, the control panel comprising aplurality of user inputs including a water supply input; a controller inoperative communication with the water valve and the plurality of userinputs, the controller opening the water valve in response to actuationof the water supply input and a signal from a sensor that the door is inthe open position; and a rotatable knob mounted on the control panel andincluding the water supply input, wherein the water valve is a coldwater valve and the supply conduit is a cold water supply conduit, thewashing machine appliance further comprising a hot water valve coupledto a hot water supply conduit, the hot water valve actuatable toregulate a flow of hot water through the hot water supply conduit intothe basket, the rotatable knob rotatable between a hot water supplyposition and a cold water supply position, the controller opening thehot water valve in response to actuation of the rotatable knob to thehot water supply position and the signal from the sensor that the dooris in the open position, the controller opening the cold water valve inresponse to actuation of the rotatable knob to the cold water supplyposition and the signal from the sensor that the door is in the openposition.
 2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein thesensor is positioned proximate the door in order to detect When the dooris in the open position.
 3. The washing machine appliance of claim 2,wherein the sensor comprises a plunger switch, a reed switch, a pressuresensor or a Hall Effect sensor.
 4. The washing machine appliance ofclaim 1, further comprising a cabinet having a top panel and abacksplash, the tub positioned within the cabinet under the top panel,the backsplash positioned on the top panel at a back portion of the toppanel, the control panel positioned on the backsplash.
 5. The washingmachine appliance of claim 4, wherein the door is positioned over hecontrol panel on the backsplash when the door is in the open position.6. The washing machine appliance of claim 5, wherein the rotatable knobis mounted on the backsplash.
 7. (canceled)
 8. The washing machineappliance of claim 6, further comprising a reservoir, a reservoir supplyconduit, a Venturi pump, and a fluid additive valve, the reservoirdisposed below the top panel, the reservoir supply conduit extendingbetween the reservoir and the Venturi pump, an exit of the Venturi pumppositioned proximate the tub, the Venturi pump coupled to the reservoirsupply conduit such that the Venturi pump draws fluid additive from thereservoir when the fluid additive valve is open and water flows throughthe Venturi pump, the rotatable knob on the backsplash rotatable betweenthe hot water supply position, the cold water supply position and afluid additive supply position, the controller opening the fluidadditive valve in response to actuation of the rotatable knob to thefluid additive supply position and the signal from the sensor that thedoor is in the open position.
 9. The washing machine appliance of claim1, wherein the controller closes the water valve in response to a signalfrom the sensor that the door is in the closed position or after apredetermined amount of time.
 10. The washing machine appliance of claim1, wherein the water valve is a solenoid valve.
 11. A vertical axiswashing machine appliance, comprising; a cabinet having a top panel anda backsplash, the backsplash positioned on the top panel at a backportion of the top panel; a tub disposed within the cabinet below thetop panel; a basket rotatable about a vertical axis within the tub; adoor mounted to the cabinet at the top panel such that the door isadjustable between an open position and a dosed position, the doorpositioned over the basket in the closed position; a supply conduithaving an exit positioned over the basket; a water valve coupled to thesupply conduit, the water valve actuatable to regulate a flow of waterthrough the supply conduit into the basket; a control panel mounted tothe backsplash of the cabinet, the control panel comprising a pluralityof user inputs including rotatable knob comprising a water supply input;and a controller in operative communication with the water valve and theplurality of user inputs, the controller opening the water valve inresponse to actuation of the water supply input and a signal from asensor that the door is in the open position, the controller closing thewater valve in response to a signal from the sensor that the door is inthe closed position or after a predetermined amount of time, wherein thewater valve is a cold water valve and the supply conduit is a cold watersupply conduit, the washing machine appliance further comprising a hotwater valve coupled to a hot water supply conduit, the hot water valveactuatable to regulate a flow of hot water through the hot water supplyconduit into the basket, the rotatable knob rotatable between a hotwater supply position and a cold water supply position, the controlleropening the hot water valve in response to actuation of the rotatableknob to the hot water supply position and the signal from the sensorthat the door is in the open position, the controller opening the coldwater valve in response to actuation of the rotatable knob to the coldwater supply position and the signal from the sensor that the door is inthe open position, and wherein the door is positioned over the controlpanel on the backsplash when the door is in the open position.
 12. Thevertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the sensoris positioned proximate the door in order to detect when the door is inthe open position.
 13. The vertical axis washing machine appliance ofclaim 12, wherein the sensor comprises a plunger switch, a reed switch,a pressure sensor or a Hall Effect sensor. 14-17. (canceled)
 18. Thevertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 13, further comprisinga reservoir, a reservoir supply conduit and a Venturi pump and a fluidadditive valve, the reservoir disposed below the top panel, thereservoir supply conduit extending between the reservoir and the Venturipump, an exit of the Venturi pump positioned proximate the tub, theVenturi pump coupled to the reservoir supply conduit such that theVenturi pump draws fluid additive from the reservoir when the fluidadditive valve is open and water flows through the Venturi pump, therotatable knob on the backsplash rotatable between the hot water supplyposition, the cold water supply position and a fluid additive supplyposition, the controller opening the fluid additive valve in response toactuation of the rotatable knob to the fluid additive supply positionand the signal from the sensor that the door is in the open position.19. The vertical axis washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein thewater valve is a solenoid valve.